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Best Practice: Multi‐agency MOU
Summary Multi‐agency MOU Coordinates
Multiple interests join Landscape Restoration
together in a common
After 38 revisions and 11 signatures, the many people involved in
plan for the Uncompah‐
the Uncompahgre Plateau Project (UPP) celebrated the finalization
gre Plateau through a
of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The MOU supports a
Memorandum of Un‐ coordinated approach to restore and sustain the ecological, social,
derstanding (MOU). cultural and economic values of the Uncompahgre Plateau.
The MOU:
Key to Success • establishes an organizational structure,
Persistence • sets out specific objectives and goals from which annual plans
of work will be developed, and
• serves as a statement of commitment and a strategic plan for
the coming years.
Although MOUs are not binding, federal agencies use them as
“It takes dedicated agency a mechanism to coordinate project development. The UPP MOU is
significant in regard to the number of partners involved and the
folks to keep a collaborative
scope of the work they plan to accomplish together. The 1.5 million
effort moving forward and
acres covered by the MOU covers includes multiple land jurisdic‐
empowering our public to tions, communities, agencies, governmental levels, and interests.
become involved in the The MOU does not stand alone as the only instrument needed
management of our to define roles. Uncompahgre Plateau Project staff say a work plan
National Forests.” with a line item budget and staffing commitments is critical to
‐‐Jim Free, Technical Coor‐ holding partners accountable and getting projects done. More de‐
dinator of the UPP tailed programmatic plans and scope of works are required for in‐
dividual programs, including the UP Native Plant Program, Col‐
laborative Weed Management Plans, and restoration projects.
Benefits
• All of the agencies and community partners are on the same
page with regard to strategic objectives for the coming years.
• The many parties involved in the MOU enable the UPP to take
a landscape‐level approach to conservation.
National Forest Foundation
Bldg. 27, Ste 3
Fort Missoula Rd. Links
Missoula, MT 59804 Uncompahgre Plateau Project
406.542.2805 http://www.upproject.org/
www.natlforests.org Public Lands Partnership
www.WestCANHelp.org http://www.plp4co.org/ 6/08
FS Agreement No. 07-MU-11020400-010
Cooperator Tax ID No.
Cooperator Agreement No.
2/16/07
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
Between and Among
USDA FOREST SERVICE, GRAND MESA, UNCOMPAHGRE, AND GUNNISON
NATIONAL FORESTS;
USDI, COLORADO BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT (BLM), UNCOMPAHGRE
AND GRAND JUNCTION FIELD OFFICES;
COLORADO DIVISION OF WILDLIFE (CDOW) ;
WESTERN AREA POWER ADMINISTRATION;
TRI-STATE GENERATION AND TRANSMISSION ASSOCIATION, INC.; AND
THE PUBLIC LANDS PARTNERSHIP
This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is hereby made and entered into by, between, and among
the USDA Forest Service, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests hereinafter referred
to as GMUG; the Colorado BLM, Uncompahgre and Grand Junction Field Offices; the Colorado Division
of Wildlife; Western Area Power Administration, an agency of the Department of Energy; Tri-State
Generation and Transmission Association, Inc., an electric cooperative; and the Public Lands Partnership
representing a broad base of public and private interests. The aforementioned will be known as the
“Parties” or “Partners” to this agreement and collectively as the Uncompahgre Plateau (UP) Project.
A. BACKGROUND
This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will replace following its expiration a Cooperative
Agreement/Memorandum of Understanding (CA/MOU) that became effective March 2001 and has an
expiration date of December 31, 2006. It was developed for the purpose of clarifying the intent of
partners to coordinate on the restoration and sustainability of the ecological, social, cultural and economic
values of the Uncompahgre Plateau. The Uncompahgre Plateau area, located in southwest Colorado,
comprises over 1.5 million acres of private, state and federal lands. This Uncompahgre Plateau Project
(UP Project), composed of the parties above, functions in a collaborative approach among the partners,
community and interested stakeholders with the overarching goal to improve the ecosystem health and
natural functions of the landscape through active restoration projects backed by best science, community
input and adaptive management. The CA/MOU authorized that an Executive Committee and a Technical
Committee be established with representation from each of the original four partners to the CA/MOU.
It is the desire of the partners to continue the UP Project for another 5 years, and a new Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) is being created rather than extending and modifying the original CA/MOU.
B. PURPOSE
The purpose of this MOU is to document a desire on the part of the signatories to cooperate on programs
and projects of mutual interest that generally fall under the umbrella of ecosystem protection and
enhancement. This document will outline general objectives and identify several programs that are
supported by the parties to this agreement. It also will serve as a framework to add other programs that
may be of interest to the parties during the term of this MOU. It is understood by all that this MOU does
not bind any party to a financial or other resource commitment, but rather is the framework from which
specific participating and cooperative agreements can be developed as deemed appropriate in any
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combination of the partners. It is also understood by the parties, that decisions made on projects on
federal lands are made by the individual agencies following their existing policies and procedures.
This MOU may serve to leverage resources and demonstrate an ongoing collaboration among the parties,
which may strengthen the individual program areas, bring a greater public awareness of the need for the
programs the UP Project administers, and provide additional opportunities for increased funding.
C. UP PROJECT
The UP Project area is generally defined as a 1.5 million acre Western Colorado landscape that lies
between the Uncompahgre and Gunnison Rivers on the east; US Highway 141 from the Gunnison River
to the San Miguel River on the North, the San Miguel River on the West; and, US Highway 62 between
the San Miguel and Uncompahgre Rivers on the South. However, programs and projects may include
areas outside this described area when they are consistent with the programs, goals and objectives of this
MOU.
D. ORGANIZATION
1. Executive Committee: This MOU reestablishes the signatures, below, as the UP Executive
Committee, which shall be comprised of managers from the Colorado Division of Wildlife; the Forest
Service (the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests [GMUG]); the Montrose and
Grand Junction Field Offices of the Colorado BLM; Western Area Power Administration, an agency of
the Department of Energy; Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc., an electric
cooperative; and the Public Lands Partnership representing a broad base of public and private interests.
Agency representatives appointed to the Executive Committee will communicate with their supervisors or
boards as may be required to ensure they are informed of the activities of the UP Project, to receive
direction on new programs, and to approve funding or resource assistance. A chairperson may be selected
by the members of the Executive Committee to set and conduct meetings and be the primary point of
contact between the Technical Committee and the Executive Committee.
The Executive Committee will meet at least one time per year before March 31 to review the prior year
activities, review program objectives established by the Technical Committee for the new calendar year.
Other meetings may be held as required to evaluate new program opportunities, review and reset goals
and objectives, and give direction on other matters the Technical Committee may require. The Executive
Committee will focus at the broader program level and authorize the Technical Committee to administer
projects within the annual program of work for each program area.
2. Technical Committee: The Technical Committee will include up to three representatives from
each of the Executive Committee parties to this MOU. A chairperson (s) will be selected by the members
of the Technical Committee to set and conduct meetings and be the primary point of contact between the
Technical Committee and the Executive Committee. The Technical Committee will meet on a monthly
basis to review program and project progress, review and recommend new programs to the Executive
Committee, develop and administer an annual plan of work, seek and allocate funding to programs and
projects, and make periodic reports to the Executive Committee. The Committee will be responsible for
maintaining a qualified staff that is responsible for carrying out the work plans for each program.
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3. Staff Support: The Technical Committee is authorized to fill and oversee various staff support
positions that are approved by the Executive Committee. The resources provided by these positions will
be determined based on the specific needs of the Technical Committee to carry out the annual plan of
work.
E. OBJECTIVES AND GOALS
1. The Technical Committee will develop annual plans of work, set specific objectives and goals for
those plans, and compile, review and report the results of the plans of work, on an annual basis.
2. The follow ing program areas and objectives will be the primary focus of the UP Project during
the term of this MOU:
Administrative
• Implement the UP Project Plan (August 2003 and as amended), included established
goals and anticipated products as described in the Pla n.
• Prepare annual work plans that address each of the primary program areas and document
and report the results of those plans. Modify existing and develop new plans as may be
required to improve efficiencies, provide for higher rates of achievement and success.
• Develop and monitor program budgets to ensure adequate funding is available to allow
for completion of work plans. Seek additional funds to supplement annual appropriations
when required to meet program needs.
• Utilize, when necessary, a fiscal agent to administer Project funds and provide
contracting and other services.
Landscape Restoration
• Coordinate landscape planning within the boundaries of the UP Project as described
above. This planning will allow for a coordinated effort to leverage funding and complete
restoration projects in a consistent approach within individual watersheds and will
address the primary concerns in each watershed.
• Restore landscape and vegetation as a whole so that managed and natural processes are
sustainable for the benefit of people and the ecosystem.
• Facilitate and leverage funding for restoration projects.
• Through its Invasive Species Program, develop Coordinated Weed Management Areas
Plans for priority landscapes to manage invasive species through integrated weed
management techniques.
• Improve habitat quality for featured wildlife species.
• Coordinate various projects that address Wildland/Urban Interface issues including
projects that improve public and firefighter safety and the safety of utility infrastructure.
• Through its Native Plant Program, continue to develop and administer the Uncompahgre
Plateau Native Plant Program with the objective of developing adequate volumes of seed
stock native to the Uncompahgre Plateau and areas with similar ecosystem characteristics
for use on UP Project restoration and mitigation projects.
Scientific Research and Monitoring
• Conduct or support various science-based projects to enhance the knowledge of key areas
important to maintaining viable ecosystems.
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Education and Training
• Maintain an outreach program that includes: technology transfer; public information
programs and demonstration projects; an archive with the results of various science
studies; and promotion of Project achievements.
Community and Economy
• Promote stewardship service programs for sustaining community-based natural resource
businesses.
• Strive to ensure that programs improve the local economy, have social and cultural value,
and result in overall ecosystem improvements as determined by a long-range monitoring
program.
• Explore opportunities to cooperate and expand the UP Project collaborative concept with
those counties who are members of the HLP (Healthy Landscapes Partnership) in the
Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison Forests (GMUG) and adjacent BLM and
private lands where common interests and opportunities for cooperation may exist.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties to this MOU have identified common interests, and have
independently and collectively determined that it will be of mutual benefit to work collaboratively to
accomplish the above stated programs and other programs that may come forward during the term of this
Agreement. This MOU will serve as an overarching statement of cooperation from which other formal
cooperative agreements and contracts may be developed among and between the Parties. Those
agreements will reflect the objectives of this Agreement. If the UP Project decides to enter into other
agreements, each party to this MOU will have the option of being excluded when the agreement(s)
conflict with its own internal policies and operating standards.
F. IT IS MUTUALLY UNDERSTOOD AND AGREED BY AND BETWEEN THE PARTIES
THAT:
1. FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA). Any information furnished to the individual
agencies under this instrument is subject to the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552).
2. PARTICIPATION IN SIMILAR ACTIVITIES. This instrument in no way restricts the agencies or
the Cooperator(s) from participating in similar activities with other public or private agencies,
organizations, and individuals.
3. COMMENCEMENT/EXPIRATION/TERMINATION. This MOU is effective January 1, 2007 and
continue for a period of five years unless it is terminated by a majority of the member Parties. This
MOU may be amended upon written request of either the agencies or Partners and the subsequent
written concurrence of the other(s). Either the agencies or Partners may withdraw from this MOU
with a 60-day written notice to the other(s).
4. RESPONSIBILITIES OF PARTIES. The agencies and Partners and their respective agencies and
office will handle their own activities and utilize their own resources, including the expenditure of
their own funds, in pursuing these objectives. Each party will carry out its separate activities in a
coordinated and mutually beneficial manner.
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5. PRINCIPAL CONTACTS. The principal contacts for this instrument are:
Forest Service Project Contact Bureau of Land Management
Uncompahgre Field Office Project Contact
John Moore Dave Kauffman
Planning Group Leader Associate Field Office Manager
GMUG Forest Supervisor’s Office Montrose BLM Field Office
2250 Hwy 50 2205 South Townsend Ave
Delta, CO 81416 Montrose, CO 81401
Phone: 970-874-6696 Phone: 970-240-5340
FAX: 970-874-6698 FAX: 970-240-5368
E-Mail: jmoore06@fs.fed.us E-Mail: dave_kauffman@co.blm.gov
Colorado Division of Wildlife Project Western Area Power Administration Project
Contact Contact
Jim Garner Ron Turley
Area 18 Wildlife Conservation Biologist Field Maintenance Manager
Colorado Division of Wildlife Western Area Power Administration
2300 South Townsend Ave. 1800 S. Rio Grand Ave.
Montrose, CO 81401 Montrose, CO 81401
Phone: 970-252-6016 Phone: 970-240-6232
FAX: 970-252-6053 FAX: 970-240-6254
E-Mail: jim.garner@state.co.us E-Mail: turley@wapa.gov
Tri-State Generation and Transmission Public Lands Partnership Project Contact
Association, Inc. Project Contact
Mac Fellin Alan Staehle
Line Superintendent PO Box 714
Tri-State G&T Ouray, CO 81427
2200 S. Rio Grande Ave Phone: 970-325-4823
Montrose, CO 81401 FAX: 970-325-4823
Phone: 970-249-4701 ext. 1693 E-Mail: awsouray@aol.com
FAX: 970-249-2947
E-Mail: macfel@tristategt.org
Forest Service Administrative Contact Cooperator Administrative Contact
Merna Fehlmann Jim Free
Grants &Agreements Specialist UP Technical Director
2250 Hwy 50 Uncompahgre Plateau Project
Delta, CO 81416 PO Box 2014
Phone: 970-874-6606 Montrose, CO 81402
FAX: 970-874-6698 Phone: 970-240-4055
E-Mail: mfehmann@fs.fed.us FAX: 970-240-4055
E-Mail: jcfree2@msn.com
6. NON-FUND OBLIGATING DOCUMENT. Nothing in this MOU shall obligate the agencies or
Partners to obligate or transfer any funds. Specific work projects or activities that involve the transfer
of funds, services, or property among the various agencies and Partners will require execution of
separate agreements and be contingent upon the availability of appropriated funds. Such activities
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must be independently authorized by appropriate statutory authority. This MOU does not provide
such authority. Negotiation, execution, and administration of each such agreement must comply with
all applicable statutes and regulations.
7. ESTABLISHMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY. This MOU is not intended to, and does not create, any
right, benefit, or trust responsibility, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or equity, by a
party against the United States, its agencies, its officers, or any person.
8. AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVES. By signature below, the cooperator certifies that the
individuals listed in this document as representatives of the cooperator are authorized to act in their
respective areas for matters related to this agreement.
THE PARTIES HERETO have executed this instrument.
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
_________________________________________ ____________
Grand Junction Field Manager Date
_________________________________________ ____________
Uncompahgre Field Manager Date
COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES – Division of Wildlife
_________________________________________ _____________
Southwest Regional Manager Date
USDA FOREST SERVICE – Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre & Gunnison National Forest
_________________________________________ ____________
GMUG Forest Supervisor Date
_________________________________________ ____________
Norwood District Ranger Date
_________________________________________ _____________
Ouray District Ranger Date
_________________________________________ _____________
Grand Valley District Ranger Date
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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY – WESTERN AREA POWER ADMINISTRATION
_________________________________________ ____________
Field Maintenance Manager, Date
Western Colorado Maintenance Office Date
TRI-STATE GENERATION AND TRANSMISSION ASSOCIATION, INC.
__________________________________________ ___________
Transmission Maintenance Manager Date
West Region, Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc.
PUBLIC LANDS PARTNERSHIP.
__________________________________________ ____________
Co-Chair Date
__________________________________________ ____________
Co-Chair Date
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